QCC has a new Student Trustee, and Dawit Quilty is eager to make the most of the opportunity while advocating for his fellow students.
As Student Trustee, Dawit will serve as the student representative on the QCC Board of Trustees, bringing the perspectives, concerns, and ideas of QCC's student body to college leadership.
Eager to be as involved as possible, Dawit also recently accepted the role of Commonwealth Honors Ambassador, a state-recognized honors program that emphasizes research and critical thinking. As an ambassador, he will represent student perspective in meetings and recruit new members.
With a full-time course load and membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Alpha Beta Gamma Business Honor Society, Dawit doesn't have much free time, but when he does, he likes to spend it at the gym or going on a hike.
A business major with a strong interest in mathematics, Dawit is considering a future career in finance or computer science. After completing his studies at QCC, he plans to transfer to pursue a bachelor's degree, with UMass Amherst among the possibilities he is exploring.
Reflecting on his experience at QCC, Dawit credits the college's supportive community and resources, such as the Tutoring Center, with helping him succeed.
"QCC has been a great experience so far. The people are really helpful," he said.
In addition to finding academic support, Dawit has built meaningful relationships on campus and even reconnected with old friends who are also attending QCC. Seeing his old friends thrive at the college gave him an unexpected burst of motivation.
"I saw how well they were doing here, and it inspired me," he said. "If they can do it, so can I."
That mindset of growth and opportunity is something he hopes to share with other students. As he begins his term and steps into his new leadership roles, Dawit hopes to help students recognize their potential at the college.
"There's a lot of opportunity at QCC," he said. "If you really want it and have discipline, you can build a great life."
With his commitment to student engagement and academic success, Dawit is ready to be a strong voice for QCC students and help ensure their perspectives are represented throughout the college.